WASHINGTON — The Vegas Golden Knights’ appeal doesn't hide the reality of what they were in a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night.

They’re an expansion team. Yes, they’ve exceeded any and all expectations to this point. That’s readily apparent. Also visible after losing consecutive games in the playoffs for the first time: This magical team has its shortcomings.

“We are in the finals for a reason,” veteran forward James Neal said when asked about whether the team’s depth played a role in losses in Games 2 and 3 that put them in a 2-1 series hole. “I don’t know what that means.”

The stellar play of goalie Marc-Andre Fleury can only mask so much, like the play of defenseman Shea Theodore, who is part of the Golden Knights’ second defensive pair.

Theodore pinched, broke his stick and was caught out of position as the Caps made it 2-0 on a goal by Evgeny Kuznetsov in the second period. A few minutes later, he allowed Matt Niskanen to skate right past him as he lightly skated after the puck, which forced Fleury to play it and, in doing so, get whistled for tripping. (No damage was done as the Knights killed the penalty.) He also set up the final goal of the game with a turnover that led to a Devante Smith-Pelly marker with six minutes left in regulation.

“He’s been really good in the playoffs for us,” Golden Knights forward David Perron said. “He’s improved a lot since training camp. You have to remember he started in the (American Hockey League). He’s been dancing for us on the blue line and made great plays. It didn’t go his way tonight.”

The problems in Game 3 can’t all be pinned on Theodore. Neal’s line, for example, was on the ice for all three Washington goals, and the only goal the Knights scored was thanks to a turnover by Caps goalie Braden Holtby.

They were out-shot 26-22 and didn't seem to have the same transition offense that has carried them. The Golden Knights also only generated two five-on-five scoring chances in the third period, according to hockeystats.ca.

“I think at times we are overthinking it,” Golden Knights forward Alex Tuch said. “We are at our best when we are making the other team make mistakes. We know how to regroup, come back and play better. We have to be better and we will be better for Game 4.”

Game 5: Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith, left, raises his hand after his goal gave Vegas a 3-2 lead against the Washington Capitals after two periods. Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports

Game 5: Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron ends up with a second-period goal and in the net after a battle in front with Washington's Christian Djoos. That made it 2-2 in the second period. Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson beats Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to tie the game 3-3 in the second period after a great pass from T.J. Oshie. Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports